Ripe began as a small drawing (originally envisaged as a central pillar in a building). It's carved from an elm tree that was felled in Edinburgh because of Dutch Elm disease. I worked on it at the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop for 9 months in 2004, firstly roughing it out with a chainsaw, then carving & finishing with gouges & rasps. It is 9' tall. It was selected for exhibition at the 2005 Edinburgh International Book Festival, and has been in the walled garden at Traquair House. It is currently in Dawyck Botanic Gardens in the Scottish Borders.